Quality Control Laboratory Manager - Nutrition

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Leadership & Operations
Lead and integrate Chemistry and Microbiology laboratory operations to ensure efficient workflows, timely testing, and compliant release of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
Ensure operational continuity through effective staffing, scheduling, and backup testing capabilities.
External Testing & Vendor Management
Oversee outsourced laboratory testing activities.
Qualify, approve, and monitor external laboratories and service providers.
Maintain contingency testing strategies to support business continuity.
Quality Systems & Compliance
Own and maintain laboratory quality systems in compliance with ISO 17025, GLP, GMP, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Ensure audit readiness, documentation control, data integrity, and full traceability of laboratory activities.
Manage and oversee the Environmental Monitoring Program (EMP).
Investigations & Quality Events
Lead investigations involving OOS, OOT, deviations, nonconformances, and customer complaints.
Ensure timely risk assessments, root cause analysis, CAPA implementation, and effectiveness verification.
Trend laboratory quality events and drive systemic improvements.
Technical & Method Management
Oversee laboratory specifications, methods, and analytical data.
Manage method development, validation, verification, and transfer activities.
Provide technical guidance on analytical and microbiological testing.
Equipment Oversight
Ensure proper calibration, qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ), maintenance, and lifecycle management of laboratory instruments and equipment.
Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
Develop and monitor laboratory KPIs, including turnaround time, OOS rate, deviations, audit findings, and productivity metrics.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, compliance, and service levels.
Lead or participate in temporary assignments and strategic improvement projects as assigned.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, coach, and develop laboratory personnel.
Establish training programs, competency assessments, performance evaluations, and succession planning.
Cross-Functional Support
Partner with QA, Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and Commercial teams to support production, resolve technical issues, and address customer requirements.
Support external and internal audits, regulatory inspections, and management review activities.
Safety & Housekeeping
Promote safe laboratory practices and regulatory compliance.
Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment.

Required Education and Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific field required (master’s degree preferred).
Experience: Minimum 5 years of Quality Control laboratory experience in the food, dietary supplement, or pharmaceutical industries, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or laboratory management role.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Technical Knowledge: Strong knowledge of ISO 17025, OOS/OOT investigations, CAPA systems, method validation and verification, and analytical and microbiological testing systems.
Essential Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office, LIMS, laboratory data systems, and statistical analysis tools.
Leadership Competencies: Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.

Environmental and/or Physical Requirements

This job requires both in-plant lab work and office work.
Frequent: Walking, office work.
Seldom: standing, squatting, climbing, bending and lifting (up to 50 lbs.).

Benefits

Medical, Dental and Vision benefits which start the 1st of the month after hire
Annual incentive bonus eligibility based on individual and company performance
Tax advantaged health savings and spending accounts
401k eligibility with company match and annual discretionary contribution
Time off: vacation, holidays/floating holidays, personal and sick days
Company provided Life and Disability Insurance
Paid Parental Leave
Fitness Membership Reimbursement Program
Educational assistance program
The benefits set forth in this posting reflect Innophos’ current benefits for similarly situated employees, are subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the applicable program policies and may be modified or discontinued by Innophos in the future (subject to applicable law).